Tupelo launches Fairpark WiFi

TUPELO – Fairpark again has free public access to a WiFi network, courtesy of the city of Tupelo.
The network, called “Fairpark WiFi,” is accessible to up to 50 people in City Hall and in the park in front of City Hall.
The WiFi network provides free wireless Internet access for laptops, smart phones and other web-enabled devices.
Fairpark used to have a public WiFi network several years ago that was provided by a private company. However, the service was discontinued.
Mayor Jack Reed Jr. made the return of WiFi a priority, according to a city spokeswoman, because he wanted students to be able to use their laptops in the park.
“Since I came on board, he’s been the one that’s been passionate about making sure it happens,” said Anna Wyatt, the city’s communication director. “He thought it would be a big positive.”
The initial hardware and setup costs were $2,650, according to City Clerk Kim Hanna. The monthly fee is $100. The network provides enough bandwidth for web surfing, streaming videos and general Internet usage, said Lerland Kindt, the city’s data processing manager.
The connection speed is based on how many people are using the network at the same time.
He also reminds users that the network is a public WiFi spot that anyone can use.
“You don’t want to go on there and do confidential stuff like banking,” he said.
Contact Carlie Kollath at (662) 678-1598 or carlie.kollath@journalinc.com.